Preschool Made Easy - podcast cover

Preschool Made Easy

Preschool Made Easy is the podcast for busy preschool teachers and parents. It’s a show that will help you get success and confidence in teaching your children by keeping it simple! Each week, Chantal Macias and her guests will share easy tips and actionable steps that you need to start preschool and be successful all year long. You’ll learn how to set up your classroom and the best resources to use while saving time, getting organized and ditching the overwhelm. Let’s make your preschool experience a success and get your children ready for Kindergarten! Chantal Macias is a Kinder teacher turned curriculum designer and preschool consultant. You can follow her on Instagram @chanty.macias. To work with Chantal and her team, head to chantymacias.com.
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Episodes

50. [Parent Corner] Find Your Joy This Holiday Season with Maddy Fry

In this Parent Corner episode, I’m joined by my amazing friend, Maddy Fry, and we are talking all about finding your joy this holiday season. Maddy is a joyful living coach who has a passion for helping high-achieving women design and live a life they love. She helps action-takers pinpoint their purpose, cast an intentional vision, and purposefully pursue joy, daily. Through her podcast, The Living in Sunshine podcast, online membership, and private coaching clients, Maddy has supported hundreds...

Nov 25, 202445 min

49. [Parent Corner] Stress-Free Evening Routines for Toddlers and Preschoolers

We know that creating a consistent evening routine can help ease the transition from the busy day to bedtime and set a positive tone for the nighttime. In Episode 49, we’re talking about creating the best stress-free evening routine for your toddlers or preschoolers, some problems you might face along the way, and easy tips to help you get started today. These Parent Corner episodes are where I share my experiences and expertise as a teacher and parent to help you navigate this preschool journey...

Sep 30, 202418 min

48. [Parent Corner] How to Help Your Preschoolers Learn to Read at Home with Erin Taliaferro

In this Parent Corner episode, I’m joined by my incredible friend, Erin from Littles Love Learning, and we are talking all about supporting your child’s learning at home. Erin is a former classroom teacher with her master's degree in early childhood education and the founder of Littles Love Learning. Her mission is to inspire parents to set their kids up for a lifetime of success by working on reading skills at home in preschool & kindergarten. She loves to incorporate P.L.A.Y. and hands-on ...

Sep 23, 202433 min

47. [Parent Corner] Stress-Free Morning Routines for Toddlers and Preschoolers

We know that creating a consistent morning routine can help ease the transition from home to school and set a positive tone for the day. In Episode 47, we’re talking about creating the best stress-free morning routine for your toddlers or preschoolers by giving you a sample routine for toddlers/preschoolers that are going to school and another sample routine for homeschooled toddlers/preschoolers or those staying home, some problems you might face along the way and solutions for them, and easy t...

Sep 16, 202419 min

46. Preparing Your Classroom for the First Day of School

First-day jitters? Yeah, let’s leave those at home. It’s time to bring fun, confidence and peace into your new classroom this year. In Episode 46, we’re diving into a topic that's top of mind for many of you right now: preparing your classroom for the first day of school. I know this time of year can be incredibly hectic, balancing your personal life and the demands of setting up a welcoming and effective learning environment. So, let’s make this as smooth and stress-free as possible! We'll cove...

Sep 09, 202417 min

45. [Preschool Themes Series] Fall Themes, Activities and Ideas Done For You

Welcome back to our Preschool Themes Series. In these episodes, I’ll give you theme examples for a season and ideas for activities that are already done for you. It’ll help get your planning, set-up, and prep done in record time. In Episode 45, I’m giving you some super fun and easy fall themes to learn with and ideas of simple indoor and outdoor activities you can do with your little ones this fall. Episode Highlights: 1. What thematic units are and how we use them 2. List of fall themes 3. Exa...

Sep 02, 202410 min

44. [Parent Corner] Top 5 Time-Saving Tips for Busy Parents During the School Year

Ever feel like you need more time for your kids, to get things done in your home, or maybe just to sit in bed and read on your Kindle? In Episode 44, we’re diving into a topic that’s on every parent's mind as the school year kicks off: how to save time. Whether you're juggling work, school drop-offs, meal preps, or bedtime routines, I see you and I understand how overwhelming it can be. So, let's get into it with our Top 5 Time-Saving Tips for Busy Parents During the School Year. Trust me, these...

Aug 26, 202415 min

43. Best Social-Emotional Learning Strategies with Andriana Zarovska

In this Parent Corner episode, I’m joined by my amazing friend, Andriana, and we are talking all about teaching preschoolers about big feelings and how we can support teachers with social-emotional learning. Ana is a teacher, classroom and behavior management coach, and the Founder of The Active Educator. She created The Active Educator platform to provide teachers with meaningful classroom and behavior management strategies that emphasize movement-based and social-emotional learning. Today, we’...

Aug 19, 202420 min

42. [Parent Corner] Back to School: Chore Ideas for Preschoolers To Build Their Independence

Getting back into the school routine can be tough, right? After a summer of fun and lots of flexibility, the beginning of the school year can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents. That’s where giving your child chores comes in. In Episode 42, we’re talking about a topic that’s hot right now as we gear up for the back-to-school season: ideas for chores for kids. We’re getting into why your child should be helping you out, easy chore ideas, how to handle the hard times when your child just ...

Aug 12, 202412 min

41. Back to School: Organize and Simplify Your Classroom Setup and Management

It’s time to bring back some excitement about getting your classroom ready for your little ones with some easy and quick actionable steps and ditch the anxiety that sometimes comes with setting up your classroom. In Episode 41, we're diving into a topic that can make or break your school year: organizing and simplifying your classroom setup and management. We're going to tackle our typical concerns for preschool teachers and common problems for setting up and keeping your class organized head-on...

Aug 05, 202416 min

40. [Parent Corner] Back to School: How to Create a Routine to Ease Your Toddler into the School Year

School is about to start and we are getting supplies in backpacks, groceries in our fridge, uniforms washed and ready to go, and the panic is starting to creep its way into our home. There is a silver lining in this whole process, though. That is, at least we have our routines in check. In Episode 40, we’re kicking off our Back to School Series with an episode all about helping toddler and preschool parents establish a routine to ease their little ones into the school year. We’re talking about b...

Jul 29, 202414 min

39. Preschool Classroom Decor Essentials (DOs and DON’Ts)

When we’re thinking about setting up our preschool classroom for back to school, sometimes we get so caught up in a theme or buying a ton of things for our classes that we may not actually need. In Episode 39, we’re breaking down the essentials of your preschool classroom decor AKA what you need, some budget-friendly options for you because we’re all in the business of saving money, and some common mistakes to avoid. Episode Highlights: 1. The essentials of your preschool classroom decor AKA wha...

Jul 22, 202412 min

38. [Parent Corner] Let's Celebrate Our Milestones and Wins!

It’s my birthday and to celebrate my 35 years of living this amazing life, I thought maybe we should do something fun on today’s episode. So, we’re going to do a deep dive and celebrate some of our 35 milestones and wins together! In Episode 38, we’re shaking things up today by talking about motherhood, teaching, and business. These Parent Corner episodes are where I share my experiences and expertise as a teacher and parent to help you navigate this preschool journey. Episode Highlights: 1. Mot...

Jul 15, 202415 min

37. [Preschool Themes Series] Summer learning themes and ideas done for you

I’ve decided to create an episode for you each month all about preschool themes. We’re all about keeping it simple here, so let’s name this the Preschool Themes Series. I’ll give you theme examples for that month and ideas for activities that are already done for you. It’ll help get your planning, set-up, and prep done in record time. In Episode 37, I’m going to give you some super fun and easy summer themes to learn with and ideas of simple indoor and outdoor activities you can do with your lit...

Jul 08, 202410 min

36. [Parent Corner] How To Create an Intentional Schedule (And Actually Stick to It!) with Kelsey Sorenson

In this Parent Corner episode, I’m joined by my incredible friend, Kelsey Sorenson, and we are talking all about how to create an intentional schedule and actually stick to it. We’re getting into how to manage urgent vs important tasks and the urgency matrix, creating an ideal week and planning out your weekly schedule. Episode Highlights: What an intentional schedule is and why parents need it Managing urgent vs important tasks and the urgency matrix Creating an ideal week and planning out our ...

Jul 01, 202436 min

35. [Parent Corner] What To Do This Summer To Prep for Kindergarten Success

The kids are out of school, we get to make memories with them doing things we usually don’t have time to do throughout the school year, and we get to stay up late! So, what can we do this summer to help get our kiddos ready for school? In Episode 35, we’re talking about the exact areas you should focus on when getting your child ready for Kindergarten, strategies for us (parents) to use with our children to prepare them, and 3 ways you can focus on these skills this summer. These Parent Corner e...

Jun 17, 202420 min

34. [Parent Corner] How To Get Your Toddler or Preschooler To Actually Get Things Done

Let me paint a scene for you: it looks like Christmas threw up all over your house with toys everywhere, mismatched and loose socks in the drawers, half-eaten snacks in an open lunchbox, and why is that light always turned on!? Sound familiar? Yeah, this was my reality too! That is, of course, until my daughter (and my client’s son) learned some serious independence skills and we got it under control. In Episode 34, we’re talking about instilling independence, responsibility and confidence in ou...

Jun 03, 202414 min

33. [Parent Corner] Easy Tips for Building Independence When Transitioning to Kindergarten

What if I told you we could create the perfect routine for your family right now and you would still have time to get all your household responsibilities done, have time for yourself, and you would be setting your child up for success WAY before they start Kindergarten? How awesome would that be? In Episode 31, we’re talking about creating your ideal homeschool routine for toddlers and preschoolers, my #1 tip for teaching your preschoolers at home, and 3 ways you can teach your littles while wor...

May 20, 202416 min

32. [Parent Corner] Why Independence Matters When Getting Ready for Kindergarten

We all know our kiddos do so much more on their own than we expect at school, so why don’t they do the same at home? What if you could get your kids ready for Kindergarten but focus on building their independence, more specifically, before they start Kinder? In Episode 32, we’re talking about what Kindergarten Readiness actually means, why independence is so important at this stage, and how we can help our kiddos with self-regulation and doing tasks independently. These Parent Corner episodes ar...

May 06, 202410 min

31. [Parent Corner] Create Your Ideal Simple Homeschool Routine for Toddlers and Preschoolers

What if I told you we could create the perfect routine for your family right now and you would still have time to get all your household responsibilities done, have time for yourself, and you would be setting your child up for success WAY before they start Kindergarten? How awesome would that be? In Episode 31, we’re talking about creating your ideal homeschool routine for toddlers and preschoolers, my #1 tip for teaching your preschoolers at home, and 3 ways you can teach your littles while wor...

Apr 15, 202416 min

30. Want to Organize Yourself, Your Preschool Classroom, and Your Life in 15 Minutes?

Is organization your jam or do you have all the right intentions every year with getting organized and somewhere along the road, it just doesn’t go as planned? I’m here to show you a few quick and easy steps to get organized and stay organized all year long. In Episode 30, we’re getting our spring cleaning on by organizing ourselves, our classrooms, and our life. You ready? Let’s do this! Episode Highlights: 1. Organize yourself by planning, getting your supplies in check and setting up rules an...

Apr 01, 202420 min

29. How to Support Preschool Parents and Help Them Teach Their Child Math at Home

This preschool journey is truly all about turning everyday moments into math adventures. So, let's embark on this math adventure together and find out how we can make math an exciting part of our preschoolers' day! In Episode 29, we’re talking about some real concerns parents have about teaching their children, how to use manipulatives and everyday items they already have at home, and 3 ways you can help families teach math. Episode Highlights: 1. Parent concerns about teaching their children 2....

Mar 18, 20249 min

28. [Parent Corner] Let's Make Math Fun with Simple Activities for Preschoolers at Home

So you wanna teach your child some math at home? As parents, we’re always on a mission to help our kiddos grow and we want them to learn as much as possible. So why not help them build a love of math, too? In Episode 28, we’re talking about setting preschool math goals and some simple activities you can do, what a typical kindergarten math curriculum includes, and how you can help your preschoolers learn math at home. These Parent Corner episodes are where I share my experiences and expertise as...

Mar 04, 202418 min

27. [PARENT CORNER] Light-Up Audio Toys VS Open-Ended Creativity For Preschool Playtime

So you wanna build a reading space at home? As parents, we’re always on a mission to help our kiddos grow and we want them to learn as much as possible. So why not help them build a love of reading, too? In Episode 20, we’re talking about creating the BEST and simple reading space at home. I’ll give you 3 easy tips for building this space in no time and I’ll also tell you the supplies you’ll need to create this space and what you won’t need. These Parent Corner episodes are where I share my expe...

Feb 19, 202412 min

26. How to Teach Your Preschoolers with Everyday Materials You Already Have

If the activities you’re trying to do with your students have a never-ending supply list, then you might not want to do it BUT if it’s short and sweet like the ideal faculty meeting, then it’s a winner! In Episode 26, we’re talking about what we can really teach our students with simple, everyday items, my favorite supplies I use to teach preschoolers, and 4 creative activities you can do with simple, everyday supplies. Episode Highlights: 1. What can we really teach our students with everyday i...

Feb 05, 202414 min

25. [Parent Corner] The Power of Simplifying Toys and Organizing Your Preschooler’s Play Space

Want instant relief, parents? Let’s simplify your little one’s toys and organize their play space. In Episode 25, we’re talking about what toys you really need and which ones you don’t, the research is backing it up: how many is too many, and 3 steps to simplify the toys in your home. These Parent Corner episodes are where I share my experiences and expertise as a teacher and parent to help you navigate this preschool journey. Episode Highlights: 1. What toys you really need and which ones you d...

Jan 15, 202419 min

24. 5 Simple Open Ended Materials You Need for Preschool

Do you know which lessons are the best? The ones that AREN’T planned. I’m talking about the ones where you let your preschoolers play with some materials and let their creativity and imagination run wild and free. I promise you, they learn SO much more than whatever we can possibly teach them in a detailed, planned activity. In Episode 24, we’re talking about what open ended materials and toys are and what they are not, my top 5 recommended toys you need for your preschool class, and how you can...

Jan 01, 202414 min

23. [Parent Corner] Parenting Tips for Surviving Winter Break Chaos

Winter break is in full swing and if you’re like us, you might be experiencing a mix of excitement and… well, chaos. In Episode 24, we’re diving headfirst into the whirlwind of emotions and adventures that come with having your preschooler at home during the winter break. We’ve got your back with some real talk about your preschooler’s emotions this season, what you are probably experiencing, and 3 quick parenting tips to avoid feeling stressed with your preschooler. These Parent Corner episodes...

Dec 18, 202314 min

22. How Preschool Teachers Manage Holiday Chaos and Restore Routines that Spread Joy

Have you been feeling the seasonal inner screaming and stress that can come with teaching in general this time of year? How exactly can we manage holiday chaos and restore routines that spread joy? In Episode 22, we’re talking about what happens when preschool children's routines unravel, real talk about teacher life during the holiday months, and 3 strategies for teachers to recover their classroom management. Episode Highlights: What happens when preschool children's routines unravel Real talk...

Dec 11, 202311 min

21. Navigating Difficult Preschool Emotions with Simple Teacher Strategies

Every holiday season, the preschool routines unravel. There’s a never ending list of events and people to see, added stress with classroom happenings. It can definitely feel like way too much, especially for our preschoolers and teachers. In Episode 21, we’re breaking down why preschool children have trouble regulating their emotions, 3 tips for helping your students regulate their feelings, and 5 examples of how to respond when a child is struggling with identifying and regulating their emotion...

Dec 04, 202314 min
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